fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt 

: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : deceitful

fraudulent use of a credit card

fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation

—Wall Street Journal

fraudulently adverb

fraudulentness noun

Synonyms of fraudulent

• dishonest
• false
• deceptive

Examples of fraudulent in a Sentence

Corrupt leaders were chosen in a fraudulent election.

fraudulent use of a credit card

the victim of a fraudulent scheme

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawsuit includes a claim alleging the property transfer was fraudulent and intended to hinder or delay the family's ability to collect on any judgment. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

But as far back as 2018, when federal prosecutors say the once-legitimate Carleen began fraudulent operations, students were alerting state officials to serious problems with the school, and Florida took no action to shut it down. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

Tell them the card information went to a fraudulent website and ask about replacing the card. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

According to city documents, the story behind the ordinance change dates back to the early 2000s, when scandalous stories of fraudulent South Florida psychics made headlines. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt 

: based on or done by fraud

fraudulently adverb

fraudulentness noun

Legal Definition

fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent

: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud compare deceptive, false, misleading

fraudulently adverb